Online casinos are currently illegal in Timor-Leste following the government's October 2025 decision to revoke all existing gambling licenses and prohibit new applications. The Council of Ministers approved a resolution canceling licenses for online gambling and betting operations due to identified risks to national security, social stability, economic integrity, and international reputation (1). Minister for Cabinet Affairs Agio Pereira introduced the resolution, establishing cancellation of ongoing license procedures and prohibition of granting future licenses (1).
The abrupt reversal occurred just six months after Timor-Leste granted its first offshore gaming license to Golden River Universe in April 2025. The government initially positioned itself as Asia's emerging gambling hub, establishing regulatory frameworks through the Inspectorate General of Gaming modeled on Malta's system (1). However, warnings from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime regarding organized criminal networks operating in the Oecusse Special Administrative Region prompted the shutdown (1).
"The government recognises the weaknesses and is planning amendments to the law. But in the meantime, all existing online licences will be revoked to prevent further misuse."
Land-based gambling remains regulated under Decree-Law No. 6/2016, which establishes the legal regime for licensing, operation, and control of games and entertainment activities (2). The government signed agreements for the country's first land-based casino resort before suspending all gambling initiatives. The responsible minister will work alongside security forces to ensure compliance with the new restrictions while lawmakers develop amended legislation addressing criminal vulnerabilities identified in the initial framework (1).
Source:
https://sigma.world/news/timor-leste-cancels-online-licences-new-law-works/
https://www.tip.mci.gov.tl/en-gb/site/display/1173
Last updated: 13-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
